Spring Break in Mexico

Spring Break in Mexico

Today was the last day of class in Mexico, and the beginning of Holy Week. It’s what Americans would call Spring Break, and the Secretary of Tourism estimates that 25% of all Mexicans will travel during the two week vacation time.

The economic impact of the vacation period is estimated to be 2,875,000 dollars, and the places most visited during this time are, of course, the beaches. More than 25 million Mexicans will be traveling to Acapulco, Cancún, Puerto Vallarta, and Veracruz. The major cities are also places that people visit during this time of year.

As for us, we’ll be staying home. I’ll be grading papers, even though there are no classes at the seminary. There are some youth activities going on (camps and retreats) that our students will be participating in, and they’ll be promoting the youth ministry program, too.

I’m hoping to get to be a tourist in the city a few days, since there should be about 7 million fewer people around during these two weeks.

101 things about Mexico City

We were taught to be students of the culture in order to effectively minister. Here are 101 things about Mexico City that we have observed since getting here. They aren’t good things or bad things. Many are just different.

  1. There are 31 speed bumps between my house and my work.
  2. You will get stood up. Bank on it.
  3. If someone talks about “your house,” they are really talking about “their” house. (My house is your house)
  4. The banks will be packed on the 15th and the 1st of the month.
  5. If you don’t know what it is, don’t eat it.
  6. Brain can be served in a tortilla.
  7. Stomach can be served in a tortilla.
  8. There are many different types of mole (a typical salsa). It takes a while to find one that you like.
  9. There is no taco bell.
  10. There are more people in the city at night.
  11. (more…)